How I Support Moms Who Feel Anxious About Starting Solids
A Real-Life Look at Building Confidence — One Bite (and Breath) at a Time
Confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build, one messy, brave bite at a time.
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If you’ve been feeling anxious about starting solids—you're not broken, you're not behind, and you're definitely not alone.
I work with so many moms who feel unsure, overwhelmed, and honestly a little panicked about this next step. They’ve read all the guides. Bought all the gear. Saved 47 Instagram Reels. And still? That first bite feels terrifying.
This post is for you if:
You’re afraid of choking or “doing it wrong”
You feel pressure to be fearless before you begin
You’re stuck in research mode and can’t seem to start
Let’s talk about what feeding anxiety really looks like—and how I support moms in moving through it with calm, confidence, and support.
Most moms don’t start solids feeling confident—they start scared
And that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you
There’s this myth that feeding should just come naturally. That you’ll “know when it’s time” and you’ll be ready with the perfect setup and zero fear.
Real talk? That’s not how this usually goes.
One mom I supported, Sarah, had done everything right. She read all the articles. Practiced cutting avocado. Had her gear prepped. She was “ready.”
But when her baby gagged (once), she panicked. Took the food away. Cried.
Nothing was wrong. Her baby wasn’t in danger. But the fear had been building quietly for weeks.
That fear? Totally normal. And it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It just means you care.
Here’s what anxious moms actually need
(Spoiler: It’s not a color-coded feeding calendar)
You don’t need:
More shoulds
More saved Reels
Someone telling you to “just relax”
You do need:
Gentle, grounded guidance
Reassurance from someone who’s been there
A reminder that fear doesn’t disqualify you—it just means you’re thoughtful
Inside Baby-Led Weaning Academy, I support anxious moms every single day.
Sometimes that looks like walking through how to handle gagging.
Sometimes it’s a DM check-in after a hard lunch.
Sometimes it’s just sitting with a mom in Study Hall saying, “Let’s make this smaller. Let’s start with one food.”
Confidence grows from action—not perfection
Let’s take the pressure off and start where you are
Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed before that first bite. It grows as you:
Prep one soft food
Sit baby at the table
Try again after a messy meal
Say “okay” even when it doesn’t go as planned
You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.
One mama I worked with said “I don’t think I can do this.” So we shrunk the goal. No perfect plate. Just one soft food.
By the end of the week, her baby was eating salmon. Not Pinterest-perfect. But real, connected, and brave.
4 Calm Steps to Take If You’re Anxious About Starting Solids
1. Acknowledge the fear
Say it out loud. Text it to a friend. DM me.
Naming it is the first step in moving through it.
2. Find real support
Not more info. Not more pressure.
Just calm, clear, non-judgmental support.
🎓 Need a place to begin? Watch Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101 — it’s totally free and built for overwhelmed moms.
3. Take one tiny step
No full meal plan needed. Just wash the high chair tray. Grab one soft food. Sit down together. That counts.
4. Give yourself grace
If the banana is cut weird or the spoon gets launched—it’s okay.
You’re not aiming for perfect. You’re showing up. That’s enough.
You don’t need to wait until you feel fearless
You’re ready now—just as you are
You’re not supposed to have it all figured out before you start.
You’re not behind if you haven’t begun.
And you’re not failing if you feel nervous.
You are thoughtful. Present. Brave.
And you're exactly the kind of parent your baby needs at the table.
Take the next (gentle) step today
🎓 Watch Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101
A free, no-fluff class that walks you through:
When to start solids
How to prep safely
What gear you actually need
And how to shift from anxious to empowered
What’s one fear you’ve had about starting solids?
Tell me over on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy.
You’ll find calm support—and a whole lot of “me too.”
You’ve got this, and I’ve got you. ✨